There is no doubt that looking after our mental well-being has been made more challenging by the impact of Lockdown and the changing Covid 19 situation, for both us as adults and our young people.
We take as many opportunities as possible to raise awareness amongst our pupils about where they can seek support in School and from online sources, some of which we have highlighted below.
Starting a conversation with your child
Starting a conversation with your child and getting them to talk openly about how they are feeling can be daunting. The NHS has some good advice and tips which you can find through this link – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/talking-to-your-teenager/.
The Young Minds website also has some useful ideas and conversation starters. https://youngminds.org.uk/starting-a-conversation-with-your-child/.
The Young Minds website offers a range of practical advice and tips on supporting your child including a Parent Helpline/Webchat and a Parents Survival Guide.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/
Sources of information and support
- Provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis – just text YM to 85258
- All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors
- Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus
Samaritans
- www.samaritans.org
- If you’re in distress and need support, you can ring Samaritans for free at any time of the day or night.
- Freephone (UK and Republic of Ireland): 116 123 (24 hours)
- Email: jo@samaritans.org
Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide)
- www.papyrus-uk.org
- Confidential advice and support for young people who feel suicidal.
- HopeLineUK: 0800 068 41 41 (9am – 10pm weekdays; 2pm – 10pm weekends; 2pm – 10pm bank holidays)
- Text: 07786 209 697 (9am – 10pm weekdays; 2pm – 10pm weekends; 2pm – 10pm bank holidays)
- Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Childline
- www.childline.org.uk
- if you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, email, or chat online about any problem big or small
- freephone 24/7 helpline: 0800 1111
The Mix
- www.themix.org.uk
- if you’re under 25 you can talk to The Mix for free on the phone, by email or on their webchat. You can also use their phone counselling service or get more information on support services you might need. Freephone: 0808 808 4994 (1pm – 11pm daily)
NHS Grampian Psychology Resilience Hub
The hub was set up to directly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is led by senior psychologists from Grampian and staffed by a range of professional groups.
- It is a completely virtual hub, with support available by telephone
- You can self-refer – you do not need your GP or other clinician to refer you
- The hub is not just for adults – children and young people can receive support as well
- You do not need to be at ‘crisis’ point to access the hub – around a third of those seen so far have been supported with lower levels of anxiety or depression
CAMHS Grampian Resources
https://www.camhsgrampian.org/covid
The Early Intervention Team at CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service based in Aberdeen and Elgin) have created resources for children, teens and Parents/Carers. These centre around managing anxiety and behaviour during this difficult time. PDF Resource Packs are available as below and are free to download.
- Manage Anxiety: Under 12’s
- Manage Anxiety: Teens
- Manage Anxiety: Parents’ Guide
- Manage Anxiety: Learning Disabilities Edition
- Manage Anxiety: Autism Edition
- Managing Behaviour: Parenting Support
Stem 4 is a charity that promotes positive mental health and wellbeing in teenagers as well as encouraging them to build resilience and manage difficult emotions. Resources are downloadable and include advice on how parents can support their teenagers.